Türkiye has repatriated its citizens and activists involved in the Global Sumud flotilla after Israeli forces raided the Gaza-bound aid mission in international waters, the Foreign Ministry said.
In a statement on Saturday, the ministry said the group—comprising individuals from 14 different countries—was brought back “rapidly and safely” on a Turkish Airlines aircraft coordinated by Ankara with support from multiple state institutions.
Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Ozel welcomed the returnees at Istanbul Airport, saying he was relieved they had arrived safely and stressing that Türkiye was the only country to dispatch an aircraft for its citizens.
He added that Ankara would continue to stand by its citizens “wherever they are, at all times.”
Disputed raid sparks outrage
The Global Sumud humanitarian flotilla had set sail in April from Sicily with 58 vessels aiming to break Israel’s long-standing blockade of Gaza, with additional boats departing from Barcelona earlier in the month.
Israeli forces halted the flotilla overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, seizing vessels and detaining activists in international waters.
Israel said 175 activists were detained after more than 20 vessels were intercepted, while flotilla organizers claimed that 211 activists had been “kidnapped.”
Organisers also alleged that equipment onboard was destroyed during the operation, calling the situation a “calculated death trap at sea.”
The flotilla had earlier reported coming under attack near the Greek island of Crete, about 600 nautical miles from Gaza, raising further concerns over the safety of the mission.
